The launch of a new aid distribution system in Gaza, backed by the U.S. and Israel, has led to chaos and violence, raising serious concerns about its effectiveness. On Tuesday, a distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was overwhelmed by desperate civilians, resulting in gunfire from Israeli forces that injured dozens and left at least one dead. The UN and humanitarian organizations have condemned the initiative, claiming it undermines established aid principles and fails to address the dire hunger crisis affecting millions. As starvation looms, the GHF's operations have been criticized for their inability to meet the urgent needs of the population.
President Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine. After previously praising Putin, Trump recently called him "crazy" and accused him of "playing with fire" due to ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump has issued a two-week ultimatum for Putin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace talks, warning of a different response if he does not. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has indicated no plans for direct dialogue with Trump, as military actions in Ukraine continue unabated.
Russia has proposed a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2, but has yet to receive a response from Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for Ukraine to confirm its willingness to negotiate. Ukrainian officials, including Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, have called for Russia to share its proposed memorandum before the talks, arguing that previous discussions failed to yield significant results. The backdrop includes ongoing military actions, with recent drone attacks resulting in casualties on both sides. Turkish President Erdogan has urged both parties to pursue dialogue for a lasting resolution.
Israel has reportedly accepted a new U.S. ceasefire proposal aimed at facilitating a temporary truce with Hamas. The plan, presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 60-day pause in fighting in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled support for the proposal, Hamas is still evaluating the terms and has expressed concerns about the lack of guarantees for a permanent ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 54,000 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis reported dead since the escalation began in October 2023.
A recent initiative by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israeli and U.S. support, has faced severe backlash and chaos during its food distribution efforts in Gaza. Accusations have arisen from the U.S. charity Rahma Worldwide, claiming GHF improperly used its logo on aid packages. The rollout has been marred by violence, with reports of Israeli forces firing warning shots as desperate crowds surged for food. The UN and other aid organizations have criticized GHF's militarized approach, raising concerns about humanitarian principles and the effectiveness of aid delivery amidst ongoing conflict.
